FIRST DRIVE
Mini Countryman E, SE
Latest iteration of this family SUV is larger than ever and available in electric form for the first time On sale May Price from £42,080
Lawrence Cheung lawrence.cheung@haymarket.com
WAY FORWARD?
The sat-nav’s optional augmented reality function displays a live video feed of the road ahead for additional guidance. However, it covers the map and is distracting.
THE COUNTRYMAN SUV may be the most practical and grown-up model in the Mini line-up, but given that it has existed only since 2010, technically it’s still a teenager in the historical context of the brand. And like most adolescents around this age, it has just experienced a growth spurt.
This new, third iteration is 13cm longer and 6cm taller than its predecessor, promising more space for occupants and their luggage. Indeed, it’s slightly longer than a Hyundai Kona Electric but shorter than a Skoda Enyaq.
The Countryman’s cutesy styling remains, with its prominent headlights, large front grille and short overhangs being instantly recognisable. Meanwhile, the tail-lights introduce a modern touch, allowing buyers to switch from the Union Flag light signature to two alternative ones if they fancy a change.
Perhaps the biggest break with tradition – other than the removal of chrome exterior trim altogether – is the addition of electric versions. With these, there’s a choice of power outputs: 201bhp in the Countryman E and 308bhp in the SE ALL4. The latter has a motor on each axle to give it four-wheel drive.